GUWAHATI, Jan 30: At least 18 people have been confirmed dead after an American Airlines passenger jet crashed into the Potomac River after colliding with a military chopper mid-air while making an attempted landing at the Ronald Reagan National Airport near Washington.
A blurry video, now widely circulated on social media, shows the jet colliding with the military chopper and the two blasting into a huge ball of fire.
“We’re aware of reports that American Eagle flight 5342, operated by PSA, with service from Wichita, Kansas (ICT) to Washington Reagan National Airport (DCA) has been involved in an incident. We will provide information as it becomes available,” American Airlines stated on ‘X’, formerly Twitter.
Reports stated that 60 passengers and four crew members were on the American Airlines flight 5342 while three US Army soldiers were on board the Black Hawk Sikorsky H-60.
“I have been fully briefed on the terrible accident which just took place at Reagan National Airport. May God Bless their souls. Thank you for the incredible work being done by our first responders. I am monitoring the situation and will provide more details as they arise,” US President Donald Trump is learnt to have stated in a statement.
Rescue operations are underway.
